Cooperative Engagement Capability

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Cooperative Engagement Capability refers to the network for the connection of military sensor and weapon systems. It is used exclusively on the combat ships of the United States Navy , mostly within carrier combat groups . In its function and interpretation, it is similar to the Aegis combat system , with which it can be networked.

description

The CEC modes

The CEC concept is divided into several sub-areas, which are described below.

Composite tracking

Under the influence of natural and hostile interference, the performance of many sensor systems, especially that of radar systems, is significantly reduced. In order to reduce this problem, the CEC system compares the data from all connected sensors and combines them into one image. The raw data are weighted and merged so that particularly less disturbed or particularly precise systems flow more strongly into the end result.

Precision cueing

With this concept, the tracking accuracy is to be increased , in particular to increase the hit probability of own guided missiles . Phased-array radar systems are particularly suitable for this, as they can continuously track a single target. Conventional, rotating radars benefit primarily from higher image refresh rates.

Coordinated, Cooperative Engagements

Due to the network effects of the CEC, it is possible that a complete control process from the detection of the trajectory to the final phase control can be carried out from several different platforms. This allows the sensor and weapon systems of a combat group to be used optimally, especially when many targets are to be fought under strong interference.

Components

The antenna of the data distribution system on board the USS Kearsarge (cylindrical, second antenna from above)

To set up a CEC network, additional hardware is required on board the ships. The data distribution system is used to establish a connection to the ship's own weapons and sensors . It consists of around 30 Motorola 68040 processors, which process the data from the ship's systems and control them if necessary. The components are housed in reinforced cabinets for improved protection.

The data distribution system is used to transfer data between the ships . Conventional data connections such as Link 11 or Link 16 can also be used, but these are significantly less powerful. It consists of an encryption unit , two amplifier stages and an antenna. The latter is attached in a ring shape to a pillar of the superstructure in order to achieve 360 ​​° coverage. The antenna consists of approx. 1000 phased array elements, which has clear advantages over a conventional antenna. No maintenance-intensive moving parts are installed, as the antenna beam is aligned electronically. This leads to a strong directivity and very low side lobes . As a result, on the one hand, the data rate increases significantly with the same transmission power, and on the other hand, the reconnaissance ( SIGINT ) and disruption ( EloGM ) of the network connection is made more difficult for enemy forces . This is also achieved through frequency spreading and encryption. Transmission takes place in the frequency range from 0.5 to 1 GHz.

integration

Demonstration of data fusion during a system test within a carrier combat group

The following components, among others, can be integrated into the CEC system:

Combat systems

Radar systems

Ship classes

Planes

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